The Limerick family that Scouts together, sticks together!

THEY say a family that sticks together stays together but in the Leahys’ case, it is the family that Scouts together, stays together!

The Castleconnell family  celebrated a milestone as all five  are Scout members after mum Daniela was invested by her three children, Lena, Johannes, Lilli, as dad Brian looked on.

At the start of a New Year we are all thinking of new pursuits and hobbies and there are Scout groups dotted around the county. Castleconnell Scouts, who are fortunate to call one of Munster’s best scout campsites home, held an open night before Christmas but you can join all year around.

The event was sponsored by the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board as part of a community initiative to make youth organisations more viable and vibrant

The group boasts over 50 enthusiastic members from 6 to 17.

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Johannes, Lilli and Lena began their Scouting journey at just six-years-old. Now, at 17, Johannes has already racked up some incredible experiences.

At 14, he braved a week-long winter expedition in Iceland, and more recently, he and a fellow Venture Scout completed the gruelling Dúshlán 2025 challenge - a 140km trek from Longford to Armagh. The pair hiked alone, kept detailed logs, undertook projects, and survived on a shoestring budget.

Reflecting on his journey, Johannes says Scouting has given him “a greater appreciation of the outdoors and helped develop my leadership skills”. 

Meanwhile, Lilli and Lena are setting their sights on their own big adventures - Lena aiming for Iceland and Lilli already preparing for the next Dúshlán challenge.

Parents, Daniela and Brian originally joined Scouting to give back to the community that had given so much to their children. What they didn’t expect was how gratifying the experience would be for themselves. Both recently completed an advanced camping skills course alongside adults from all over Ireland, broadening their knowledge and confidence in the outdoors. 

“It’s been incredibly rewarding,” said Daniela. “Scouting has allowed me to enjoy nature more fully while making lots of new friends.”

Youth members are welcome at any age. As they progress through the ranks, they develop valuable skills, build confidence, and take on increasingly exciting and challenging adventures.

But the benefits  aren’t limited to youngsters. Parents are encouraged to get involved too - whether by volunteering as adult Scouters or fundraising.

Brian says it’s a  community effort that  keeps the spirit of scouting alive and thriving in Castleconnell.